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    Half Moon Empanadas

    3.6 (51 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 am - 9:30 pm

    Half Moon Empanadas Photos

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    Katie A.

    Empanadas were amazing! Particularly loved the sauce they were served with. Service was quick and efficient, but pleasant. The empanadas were fairly small, but the price was reasonable.

    Tim T.

    Very nice empanada place with a wide variety of both sweet (guava and cream cheese) and savory (egg, bacon and cheese, spinach, ground beef, spicy chicken) flavors. Beverages also available like matcha iced tea. In the DCA / Reagan Airport and open very early before 5am! Cool surrounding environment with high arches. Excellent and prompt service as well. Was able to use my $12 meal voucher because I missed a flight.

    Christopher S.

    The spicy chicken empanada was delicious. At $6.99 per empanada, it's a nice filling snack. Wish they had two-fed deals or 3-4 pack offers.

    Abegail A.

    If you're craving empanadas while at the airport, be sure to give Half Moon a try. Grabbed several empanadas for all of us to try and they didn't disappoint. Of the three flavors we tried, my favorite was surprisingly the ham and cheese, followed my spicy beef, and then plain beef. Service was quick and friendly. Great grab and go spot, especially when you're in a rush.

    Bacon and egg empanadas with delicious sauce
    Alex F.

    We came to Reagan national Airport and an ungodly early hour and the colada shop was open! We enjoyed a delicious bacon and egg empanada and perfect espresso. Highly recommend them.

    Empanada stand
    shari c.

    Just let me roll in the cabinet!. Seriously! I usually don't eat " fried" foods but I tried empanadas one day traveling through the Miami airport they have a similar tiny stand ( except you have to stand in line for a long time) I've been searching ever since for the yummy taste of spicy beef, chicken, 3 cheese, Nutella, bacon & egg, guava and so many more! They are fresh, warm and delicious!!! However, don't take my word for it next time you're at Ronald Regan airport run to this stand!

    Savory & sweet empanada
    Mel J.

    My kid wanted a quick bite while waiting to board the plane and we saw this small kiosk on our way to the gate. They have savory and sweet empanadas. The service was quick but could be more friendly. We got the hazelnut cocoa empanada. The filling was very chocolaty, rich, and tasty. However, the crust was kinda bland. It was okay for a quick snack (3.5 stars).

    Guava and cream cheese
    Ruby B.

    Stopped by Half Moon Empanadas on my way to my terminal and had a great first experience. The lady at the counter was super helpful and recommended their most popular picks, so I went with the beef empanada and the guava & cream cheese empanada. Both were delicious, flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. Fair warning though: the guava & cream cheese is very sweet and can get a little messy, so be sure to grab a few napkins and maybe eat it over a counter or table. Totally worth it, though. Can't wait to come back and try the chicken and Nutella empanadas next time. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for a tasty, handheld bite.

    Manny M.

    Service was helpful, location is typical of an airport and cart stand, and the empanadas were good. Overall, definitely swinging by this place anytime I need a snack and in the mood for something delicious and hardy. Overall price is always a killer at an airport but nothing to be surprised by. The spicy beef was highly recommended along with the bacon and eggs which hit the spot. To my surprise, the spicy beef was delicious and had a hint of spice which I truly appreciated. Recommended to break up the norm amongst airport eateries.

    John P.

    Wanted to grab something for breakfast before my early morning flight and stumbled on this kiosk restaurant in Regan National Airport, Terminal 2. I grabbed a ham and cheese, and a bacon and egg empanada and we very happy with their size and taste. I was eyeballing the spicy beef and regret I didn't grab one to have as a snack on my flight. Service was fast and friendly, prices decent and my overall experience very good. I like how they mark the empanadas taking the guess work out of pick the ones you ordered or want to eat first.

    Mike V.

    While passing through the airport in DC I picked up a snack as I wondered. I'd never seen Half Moon Empanadas, other than earlier in the day at the Providence airport. So I stopped to see what they had and grabbed a classic chicken empanadas. The cashier was friendly and quickly got a warm one out of the case. Because they're kept in a heated case theirs no telling how fresh they are. It tasted OK, but nothing great, it kind of lacked any true flavor. If I tried them again, I may get a spicy beef or a spicy chicken

    Three Cheese Empanada & Spicy Beef Empanada
    Kevin C.

    Empanadas here were the perfect snack but nothing to rave about for the price. Ordered 2 and held me over for my 5 hour flight. Size was pretty average. Dough was soft, held the innards, but a bit bland. Three cheese - ate it upon ordering and was not melted cheese, but warm and soft. Flavor was sharp and salty. Cheese also had an herby taste. Spicey beef - moist and flavorful. Mild to moderate spiciness, nothing crazy. Would come here to try my flavors if I needed a snack, although would skip if I wanted something more filling for the money.

    Spicy Beef Empanada
    Jesse N.

    The food was good. I think the meat was very seasoned, but it seemed to be ground to the point that it was like paste. It was ok, just a little weird. The service is standard; a kiosk at an airport. There is no ambiance, you are at an airport. But if you want empanadas, give these guys a go and let me k ow what you think.

    Spicy Chicken Empanada

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    1 year ago

    Save your money these things are dry tasteless and way overpriced they are basically gross

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    2 years ago

    Probably made by a big automated assembly rig. Stale tasteless pastry filled with dog food.

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    2 years ago

    Awesome and simple food, decent price, open super early. They also have coffee. I go every time I'm at DCA

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Half Moon Empanadas

    Review Highlights - Half Moon Empanadas

    Friendly staff suggested the spicy beef over the chicken and spicy chicken so I went with that and it was definitely the right move.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Peruvian Brothers - Ceviche and big empanadas

    Peruvian Brothers

    3.8(73 reviews)
    0.8 miPentagon City
    $$

    Nice location, parking could be crazy, we lucked out with spot right down the street. We met some…read morevisiting friends and decided to dine outside (beautiful afternoon). All the Staff was super and checked on us constantly, never felt abandoned outside (we were only ones). We went with Family meal and a side order of Pupusas (2 for $10). Your choice of spinach/cheese, beef or chicken. We stuck with water to drink. The chicken was delicious, we have our favorite in Alexandria, but this chicken was very good. The sides were good, fries, yucca and rice. The sauces complemented everything (green & white). We asked for ketchup, they did provide some packets (perfer an actuall ketchup bottle when dining in). The Papusas were not a big hit with the table. Overall, a good option if in the area. Especially for the price which was way better than expected for area.

    The calamari stood out, probably the best thing we ordered. The Peruvian chicken was solid, and the…read morealfajores were a highlight. But the shrimp saltado was forgettable, and the chicha morada was a letdown -- mostly ice, barely any flavor. It tasted like purple-tinted water, not the real thing. I bought two empanadas to bring home to my mother and asked specifically for two chicken. The employee at the register was friendly, but kept nudging me toward one beef, one chicken. I said no. I explained my mother doesn't eat beef. She bit into one at home and stopped. It was beef. There was no way to know from the outside. I understand that mistakes can happen, but it was disappointing to receive the wrong empanada after I had specifically explained that my mother does not eat beef. What made the situation even more concerning was that the beef did not seem fresh. In addition, while the empanada looked properly baked and golden on the outside, the dough inside was still undercooked. Unfortunately, this experience changed my overall impression of the restaurant.

    Photos
    Peruvian Brothers - Dining Room

    Dining Room

    Peruvian Brothers
    Peruvian Brothers - Ambiance

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    Ambiance

    Colada Shop - Nachos

    Colada Shop

    4.5(65 reviews)
    0.5 miCrystal City
    $$

    If you're looking for good food, good drinks, and a reminder that joy is an act of resistance, make…read moreyour way to Colada Shop. In a time when some folks are busy declaring "Nuclear Family Month" and trying to decide whose rights count, Colada Shop is over here doing what really matters: serving delicious Cuban food, amazing cocktails, and creating a welcoming space for everyone. The croquetas were incredible, the drinks were refreshing, and the vibe was immaculate. The Pride decorations made me smile because despite all the noise, people are still showing up for community, inclusion, and joy. Turns out diversity isn't scary--unless you're a croqueta at my table. Those things disappeared fast. In a city that can feel especially heavy these days, this place felt like a breath of fresh air. Sometimes resistance looks like marching. Sometimes it looks like supporting businesses that make everyone feel welcome. Happy Pride Month to everyone celebrating. The haters may be loud, but the mojitos are louder.

    Great stop before flying back home. This is a small location & searing can get tight especially…read morewhen having to trail in carrying-on luggage but well worth a last yummy taste of Cuban goodness. This location has the same quality of food as their Wharf location. I was so happy to be able to get a couple of empanadas, a Cuban sandwich, sweet plantains and a couple of drinks before jetting off. The staff is super friendly but getting our drinks was a little slow. Having said that, it was during busy times so we totally get it. Didn't take pictures of the empanadas before they got in my belly. We got a chicken & beef-so good just a little on the small side so if you're sharing, keep that in mind. Cheers!!

    Photos
    Colada Shop - Inside

    Inside

    Colada Shop - Platanachos (plantain chip nachos) - $9 at happy hour

    Platanachos (plantain chip nachos) - $9 at happy hour

    Colada Shop

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    Empanadisimas - In building ordering system

    Empanadisimas

    3.5(2 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Ordered again via UE. Empanadas arrived hot and were delicious. I also ordered dessert, Marquesa,…read morelayers of cookies, creamy white and milk chocolate, crowned with a swirl of chantilly cream. The ground beef and mushroom empanadas are still my favs and solid choices.

    I was very excited to find this place! I love a good, authentic empanada - my family is from South…read moreAmerica and I have eaten my share of great empanadas! Argentine empanadas are a favorite and this shop makes plenty! I ordered chicken, chicken cilantro, ground beef and steak & I ordered Chimichurri & Garlic Sauces on the side. The empanadas were hot when they arrived and there were two of us for lunch. These empanadas are cocktail sized empanadas - really between a normal sized pie and one you would serve as an hor d'oeuvre. Generally, Argentine empanadas are filled with carne cortada a cuchillo (hand-cut, not ground beef), combined with onions, hard-boiled eggs, paprika, cumin, and olives. The flavor is not wimpy! And all of that is in a delicious crust that is baked. Fried was not an option. The crust is flakey and warm and improves with a sauce. The pie crust was the star! Of the four ordered, the two beef empanadas were the best. Lots of flavor, but no onions, egg, olives or enough spices, etc. The chicken were disappointing. Not enough flavor. Very pedestrian. There is talent in this kitchen, as the fillings lack the flavor one usually finds in authentic Argentine empanadas, but the crusts were exceptionally good! Value: The price for one empanada is $5 - for a very small empanada. About 1/2 the size of a traditional Argentine Empanada. If Empanadisimas works on the filling - these could be terrific. Right now, not so much. Also, sauces come with all empanadas, but the website does not mention that - so if you order delivery don't order additional sauces. They are included. Sides: . Popular sides in Argentina traditionally include a simple salad, yuca fries, or arroz con gandules. I would have liked a nice side salad - maybe tomato - to accompany these pies. The savory sides at Empanadisimas are lacking. An avocado salad would have been welcomed. We passed on ordering desserts because they were all very expensive. I wish this place well, because if they tweak a few things (fillings & pricing), it could be a good product. When they update their website and work on reasonable pricing, I will give it a try again, but for now - I am staying away! And we are still hungry - on our way to get lunch!

    Photos
    Empanadisimas - Ordering kiosk

    Ordering kiosk

    Empanadisimas - Pickup locker

    Pickup locker

    Empanadisimas - Four Argentine Empanadas. Great crusts! Disappointing filling.

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    Four Argentine Empanadas. Great crusts! Disappointing filling.

    Que Rico - The pincho de carne (grilled marinated beef kabob)

    Que Rico

    4.3(71 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Que Rico received a 10 out of 10 because the food was delivered at the right temperature and ready…read moreto chow down. My friend and I ordered two Abuelo's Favorite Plate and the rice and peas were proportioned, the shredded pork succulent and the ripe plantain sweet and delicious.We topped our order off with two guava and sweet cream pastelillos - pastry nice and flaky and the filling just the right sweetness to end this delicious meal on! Thank you Que Rico for a meal reminiscent of my childhood Sunday dinners!

    Pretty good food if you have a craving for Puerto Rican food…read more The Pastelillos were delish. I ordered a ground beef and a chicken with cheese. They were crispy, good amount of filling and nice flavor overall. Fantastic. I think they should serve the meal with a bit more rice. The Pernil, pulled pork was sort of dry and unfortunately the large side of garilc mojo sauce (garlic oil) was sideways in the bag and by time I got it home, the oil had all leaked out into the paper bag and onto the floor mat inside my car. The mofongo bites listed as 5 bites, however I only received 4. They were on the sweet side. The masa from the plantain taste too ripe for my liking. I prefer more green plantains in my mofongo. The tostones were pretty good. The pictures made them look a bit larger, but oh well. This was my first time ordering from a ghost kitchen, and the concept is a brilliant idea because you can order from so many cuisines! You can try so many restaurants in one place. Quite amazing.

    Photos
    Que Rico - The pick up entrance.

    The pick up entrance.

    Que Rico - Burnt balls of not mofongo.

    Burnt balls of not mofongo.

    Que Rico - Chicken Kabob (Pincho de Pollo)

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    Chicken Kabob (Pincho de Pollo)

    Half Moon Empanadas - empanadas - Updated June 2026

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